Ruidoso Art Festival

Written on July 16, 2010


I’ve had a fairly long break from shows, which means Jim and I have had time to make a LOT of new pieces. They aren’t all photographed yet. When they are, I’ll give you  a sneak peek of what we are taking to the show in New Mexico next week.

I so look forward to this particular show. The Chamber of Commerce sponsers it, and all the staff and volunteers are so nice – they really take care of the artists. The Convention Center is a terrific venue, and of course Ruidoso itself is a cool treat for us hot weather Texans. It is almost a mini-vacation for us. The show itself is packed with really excellent artists and their work, including us , of course. Meanwhile, I’m still making some more beads for an update on my Japanese Kimono Series. Back to the torch —–

  • one Comments

Lori Anderson: I sure wish there was a way that I could see your booth and all your beauties -- I know I'm only seeing the tip of the iceberg with your web site!

Posted in Art Festivals, Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

Commitment Rules!

Written on June 28, 2010


Commitment: 3. The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons: a deep commitment to liberal policies; a profound commitment to the family. 

Commitment rules my life.

I made a commitment in 1974 to Jim Foley. We married in 1977, and my commitment to him and our life together still rules today, 33 years later. Little did I know when I made the pledge “in sickness and in health” that Parkinson’s disease would crop its ugly head and test my vow time, and time and time again.  Jim was diagnosed with PD in 1991, shortly after we  moved aboard a 40 foot sailboat to sail around the world.  (Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neuorological disorder. More info here). PD challenged us then and each day PD continues to challenge us to keep and meet our commitment to live full, active, meaningful, and useful lives.

As we set sail, and Jim’s physical abilities began to deteriorate and sometimes fail, we were tempted to despair, yet rose above the easy way out, the out that could have said “I quit.”  If I handed him a cup and he couldn’t grip it because of PD, and it dropped and broke, we swept up the pieces and started over. If his balance was unreliable, and he couldn’t go out on the deck of the boat without falling, we gave him a job in the cockpit, and I learned how to reef the sails as he would have done had he been physically able. The circumnavigation took us 10 years. We did make it around the world, and were both the better for fulfilling our commitment. We are enlivened by another vow,  our declaration to “Accommodate without surrender.” We will not let PD stop us from realizing our dreams.

Back on land in 2002 after our circumnavigation we decided to re-create the lives we’d led as artists and jewelers before we set sail. In the midst of that process, I unexpectedly fell in love with glass. We shifted gears, and made a new commitment, that of making me a star in the glass jewelry world. We needed to accommodate the limitations that PD put on Jim’s jewelry making techniques anyway. When his hands shake, and he can’t solder because of it, then he picks up the pieces and starts over again. Since I’m making the glass beads, he doesn’t have to set gemstones anymore if PD won’t let him. If the beads I make don’t seem good enough to me, I keep making more until I’m satisfied with my creations. When PD imbalance and freezing knocks Jim to the floor, he picks himself up and starts over. If because of PD Jim can’t do much at all physically, I take up the slack. Together we realize our dreams. We  accommodate, we do not surrender.

Commitment rules: a commitment to each other, a commitment to continuing creativity, a commitment to self-expression, a commitment to love.

Thanks to Art Bead Scene for providing the challenge to write a post on the topic of commitment.

Follow the link, and see what other bead artists have written on this topic.  

 ”Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the live you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

  • 9 Comments

Nicki: Thank you for this post. It makes me think. You guys are incredibly strong together. And your jewelry is so much more than a piece of components put together. I wish you lots of luck and strength. And I am sure you have it.

Jeannie: You two have a beautiful life together. We should all have to committ each and every day like you two do. The beads are bursting with beauty. Jim's setting is stunning and a great reminder to never give up. God Bless you two.

Melissa M: Amazing post, Lyn...a true testament to "commitment" :)

D Lynne Bowland: Very interesting post! My husband would love to sail around the world... Or at least to the Caribbean ... however I would go nuts without my art/torch on our 29 foot boat!

Cindy: Such a beautiful post...you and Jim make such a wonderful team...and the jewelry you create together is just beautiful!

Lori Anderson: This made me cry. You two are truly amazing, and I'm proud to know you.

Michelle Mach: What a lovely story about commitment! Your jointly created pieces are beautiful.

Christine Hansen: Lyn, WOW! I love your post - so thoughtful and inspirational, and encouraging too. The pieces you posted are truly lovely, and demonstrate the power of commitment, and accomodation without surrender. I hope that you and Jim enjoy many more years of loving and creating with each other.

Shannon: Thank you for sharing this. It was so close to my own thoughts and I am moved to tears by the commitment you have for each other.

Posted in Jewelry, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, Parkinson's disease, art, sailing around the world Tags: , , ,

Let’s Party Again – Bead Soup is Back!

Written on June 18, 2010


Remember a while back Lori Anderson organized a great on-line party? Artists with beads! How great is that? So great, we’ve done it again. We’ve swapped beads with a random partner, and created a piece of jewelry using the beads they sent us. We didn’t have to use all the beads, however did need to use the focal, the clasp, and at least some of the other beads. My bubby is Rebecca Sirevaag. Here’s a photo of the beads she sent me.

Bead Soup Rebecca sent me

I played around with the copper focal bead, changed it a little, added some of my lampwork beads to the mix, and  came up with a long adjustable length necklace. I used mostly the beads Rebecca sent me, including the copper clasp.  Jim contirbuted a little oak branch and pine cone  he made in silver from live castings.  I added some other gemstone beads too. The process was really fun and it stretched my creative juices. What do you think?

Close up of the copper focal bead Rebecca made

Necklace I made using Rebecca's bead soup, and some beads of my own

Check out  what the other party members have made. It may take you a while – there were over 90 of us! Have fun, and

Welcome to the party!

Blog Soup Party Goers

1. Lori, Pretty Things

2. Lorelei, Lorelei1141

3. Norma, Moonlit Fantaseas

4. Beth, EB Bead and Metalworks

5. Katie, KatieBead

6. Kimberly, Bahama Dawn

7. Debbie, Prairie Emporium

8. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa

9. Kate, Tropical Blonde

10. Janet, Singing Woods

11. Julianna, Juls Beads

12. Erin, Treasures Found

14. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

15. Kella, Me But a Little More In Depth

16. Emanda, Artemisia Studio

17. Marie, Skye Jewels

18. Loretta, Designs By Loretta

19. Stacy, Sissy and Jack’s

20. Joanna, Filcowe

21. Diane, Diane Hawkey

22. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

23. Anna, The Laughing Raven

24. Marcie, La Bella Joya

25. Lois, Que Onda Q’town?

26. Jayne, Mama’s Got To Doodle

27. Lisa, Alterity

28. Dale, Dales’ Flights of Fancy

29. Melanie, Kookie Designs

30. Christine, A Hot Piece of Glass

31. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

32. Laurel, Rue’s Daftique

33. Sandi, Do Be Do Bead Do

34. Nicki, Nicki’s Reef

35. Virginie, ViviBijoux

36. Janeen, Wild Vanilla

37. Filomena, Pink Velvet Bird

38. Lyn, Lyn Foley

39. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

40. Rebecca, Song Beads

41. Regina, Regina’s Writings

42. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

43. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

44. Maria, Garden Path Beads

45. Michelle, Life in the Bead Lane

46. Ann, My Critical Eye

47. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

48. Nan, Spirit Rattles

49. Amy, Copper Diem

50. Malin, Beading by Malin de Koning

51. Anne, Gardanne Glass Lampwork

52. Alice, Alice’s Beads and Baubles

53. Barbara, Second Surf

54. Amanda, Articulations

55. Heather, Humble Beads

56. Melissa, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

57. Kate, Organic Odysseys

58. Patti, PJ Clark Designs

59. Stefanie, Stefanie’s Sammelsurium

60. Carol, Carol Bradley Designs

61. Wanda, A Frayed of Fibers

62. Diana, Vintage Blue Studio

63. Marieke, Marieke’s Blog

64. KJ, Silver Parrot

65. Maire, Maire Dodd

66. Shannon, Miss Fickle Media

67. Dana, Dana’s Jewelry Designs

68. Charlene, The Bead Dreamer

69. Elisabeth, Beads for Busy Gals

70. Cathryn, Chile Cats

71. Missy, Melissa Rappaport

72. Cindy, Cindy Dolezal Designs

73. Valerie, Hot Art

74. Courtney, Beads by Breul

75. Johanna, Fire Phoenix Creations

76. Shea, gr8findings

77. Julie, Pryce Designs

78. Jeannie, Jeannie’s Blog

79. Patricia, Verre Design

80. Christa, Adventures of One Beady Woman

81. Heather, My Muse

82. Susan, Night Beader at Large

83. Sonja, Drachenei

84. Jennifer, Glass Addictions by Jennifer

85. Melissa, One-Eared Pig Beads

86. Rebecca, 2SistersBeadwork

87. Karyn, Releases by Rufydoof

88. Denise, Bling on the Blog

89. Doris, Glaszwerg

90. Megan, Churchy & Her Sailor

91. Jo, Daisychain Designs

92. Jen, VanBeads Jewelry and Design

93. Kristie, Artisan Clay

94. Jess, Vintaj

95. Suzann, Beadphoria

96. Sharon, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

97. Michelle, bMichelle

  • 39 Comments

Kella: Stunning as always, so much to comment on but want to say it is a beautiful wearable piece of art.

Jayne: beautiful, I love the copper.

Janet McDonald: Oh I just love what you did with the focal its really first class! Your necklace is vibrant and alive a bit spicy! Really like this.

Nicki: The pendant is gorgeous, and I love how you strung all those large beads together. I can never do it (turns out awkward for me), but I love it when other people do it. Very cool and wearable necklace. Seems totally right for me. ;-)

Lisa: I love the warm colors and the combination of turquoise with them! There are so many details to this necklace, it's hard to catch them all...I would love to see it in person! Great job with your Bead Soup!!

Norma: very nice, love all the color and the copper!

Nancy: What gorgeous colors! And I love what you did with the pendant - very lovely!

pearlandpebble: Love it! The copper pendant is fabulous. Enjoy!!

Megan C.: I love this necklace! I'm really liking copper this season. Great summer piece that could easily go into Fall.

drachenei: Wonderful design. Very lovely.

Carol Bradley: I love the necklace, but I can't see the focal. That part of the pic is cut off.

Jennifer Cameron: gorgeous necklace and I love how you put everything together. Lovely.

Emanda: Absolutely stunning. Organic and elegant. Emanda

Courtney: A stunning piece. Love the color way.

Michelle: What a great earthy necklace....the colors are fabulous! Bead Happy! Michelle

cindy dolezal: Very warm. Lovely Soup.

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp: Looks great! I could not see the entire piece on my pc however. I seem to be missing the end with the focal in it. But I still love it!

--> Lyn Foley: Sorry some of the picture is cut off. I don't really know why - on my computer it looks fine. I have resized the photo - hope this helps. If anyone knows how to fix this problem, please (!) let me know

Lori Anderson: WOW but that is amazing! I agree, the pendant looks so good with the etching showing! And the castings are great! What an awesome job!

ViviBijoux: It's funny, it's got a real native american feel to it. Piece of art for sure! smiles, Virginie

Cathryn: This is warm and lovely! I love what you did with the focal and it makes it pretty earthy--something to wear at work or at play!

Erin Prais-Hintz: What a beautiful soup! I love the little leaf and acorn. Those are special touches. These colors make me happy, like a fall walk in the woods. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the day! Erin

Laurel: Lovely necklace! I would have liked to be able to see all of it!

Cindy: Lyn, you've created another master piece!!! Your jewelry is always in a class of it's own. I love the combination of colors, texture, and movement in this gorgeous necklace!

Loretta: I love the design. It has a real primitive feel.

Debbie / Prairie Emporium: What a special necklace, I love what you did with the copper pendant and the combo of colors.

Kate: Love the color combo and I love your connectors. I really can't see the focal, your picture is cut off on my screen for some reason but it looks awesome! Congrats on the sale!

Regina: The warm colors, the copper, it is beautiful! Very earthy and fiery! Love it..

Christine B: I love love love all the colors with the beautifully warm copper! Just fantastic!

heather: I love the mix of metals and the colors!! That deep blue-green with the shiny copper is fabulous!

Jo Tinley: Beautiful warm colours! I love how you've used the pendant.

Anna Lear: Wonderful design; your beading set off the focal piece just perfectly! I especially love the "danglies" from the pendant.

KJ: It's beautiful! That copper focal is perfectly balanced by the rest of the materials and the design.

Denise Yezbak Moore: I love how you added the turquoise with the oranges. I really like that color combo. The focal piece is very cool. You created a beautiful design!!!

Charlene: I love what you did and the resulting design - beautoful!

Janeen: I love what you did with the focal! Great finished piece. So lovely and great colors.

Marieke: I love the necklace, all the different details sure makes it into a gorgious piece of jewelry

Rebecca: Lyn- I finally got to stop by- got a bit of time today. I love the warmth of the piece you created. No worries about the size of the bead! I was delighted to work with something new. Thank you, partner!

Patti: WOW!! Love the focal!

Posted in Beads, Goals, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog Tags: , , , , ,

Bead Soup Party Teaser

Written on June 8, 2010


Remember the first Bead Soup Party a few months back? Lori Anderson organized it all, and what fun it was. So much fun, that  Lori has organized a second “Party.” My partner this time is Rebecca Sirevaag. She sent me beads, I sent her  beads, and on June 22nd we will post what we made with the “bead soup.” So exciting, a real challenge, and here are the teaser pictures.

Beads I sent to Rebecca - My lampwork with pearls and Turquoise

Bead Soup Rebecca sent me

I’ve already made a really terrific piece with the beads she sent me. Here’s two hints: I altered the wonderful copper focal she made by removing the gemstone that was hiding the nice etching she did on the copper. AND – ta-da – someone already know what the necklace looks like, and agrees it is wonderful, because she bought it at the Texas Arts and Crafts Festival! It was my first sale of the show, and good thing I had already taken photos of it, yes? Sorry, you’ll just have to wait for the party reveal date later in June to see the finished necklace. I’ll keep you posted.

  • 3 Comments

Stacy: Love both sets of bead soup. Can't wait to see the finished pieces!

Stefanie: Both soups are awesome! regards Stefanie

Lori Anderson: I can't wait to see what it turned out to be!

Posted in Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog Tags: , ,

Making a Statement – Ykkks!

Written on June 3, 2010


My computer, after hiccups, coughs, fevers, and sleepless nights, is lingering in a sad state. I spent most of the day yesterday with the “Geek Squad” at Best Buy, hoping for a better prognosis. Alas, no luck. So now I am the proud owner of a new computer, however, in the process lost my passwords file and haven’t been able to post my statement necklace (or anything else, either).

So, finally got into my blog, and hope I am not too late for the ABS Carnival Blog about “Statement Pieces.” Each of the members has made a fabulous “wow” necklace, here’s the list.

 Cindy Gimbrone
Cindy Dolezal Designs
Island Girl Insites
Janel Dudley
Jeannie’s Blog
Jen Valesquez
Kate Clawson
Marcie Abney
Mary Harding
Nicki’s Reef
Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

 Check them all out – you’ll see some great creations using art beads. Here is mine, from a conglomeration of BIG lampwork beads I made, some old silver beads, and whatever else I had on hand. Enjoy!

  • 7 Comments

mary harding: Beautiful necklace. My favorite range of colors. glad you have a computer. so upsetting to everything when it goes down.

Christine Hansen: What a lovely statement! Luscious colors and beads, and a custom clasp? Simply divine!

Cindy: Hi Lyn Glad you are able to get back online, but so sorry about all of the trouble and expense you've gone through! Your piece is just gorgeous...it's your wonderful beads that make the statement!

Jeannie: It is so bold and rich in color. It's stunning, truly! It's so frustrating when things you count on every day break down and you can't fix them yourself. GRRRRRRRRRR

--> Lyn Foley: Thanks y'all for the comments. Since I posted my 19 year old great-nephew Joshua was up from Houston visiting, and bless his little geek heart, he moved, captured and recreated most of my lost computer stuff! I'm back in business.

D Lynne Bowland: Looks great... never too late too post... deadlines are for school... and juried things not for thing we volunteer to do!

Posted in Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog Tags: , , , , ,

On The Road Again

Written on May 15, 2010


 

We’ve recently returned from Dallas, and are now looking forwardto our next show, the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville. I took a much needed break yesterday, catching up on grocery shopping, house cleaning, reading, etc. And good grief, I needed it too, since as I walked back in the front door, my arms full of groceries, a scorpion struck! OWW, did that hurt. It stung me right on my ankle. I kicked off my sandals, killed the culprit, only to discover through out the rest of the afternoon, 7, yes SEVEN, more of the nasty creatures. They must have  a nest right by our front door, and they seem to be sneaking in through a little gap in the weather stripping. Got to fix that!

Well, life in Texas I suppose – yet we have never had this type of invsion before. I am cautiously checking everywhere I walk, especially since I pad around barefooted.

My sketchbook is overflowing with ideas. I’ll be back on the torch today – and if I can just get those scorpions out of my mind ……………….

  • 2 Comments

Cindy: WOW, Lyn...what a story, to be bitten by a Scorpion! I'm not sure if I've ever seen one in real life, let along get stung by one! I'm sorry that happened to you...and I can't blame you for being very cautious now! Wishing you the best preparing for your next big show!

Lori Anderson: Holy cow! When I lived in South America, we had to constantly sweep under the beds and couches to get them out, but I never got stung by one. My oldest stepson, however, got bitten not once, but twice, but a black widow spider in auto shop class in high school while reaching into an engine or something -- so now he is DEATHLY afraid of the tiniest bug. Can't say I blame him!

Posted in Art Festivals, Jewelry, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art Tags: , ,

Bragging Rights and a Sneak Preview

Written on May 4, 2010


Fayetteville Art Walk was a lovely show. The weather was perfect, the food was good, crowds of people showed up and the art work was fantastic. I really enjoyed the weekend, sold some jewelry, met some new people, saw some of my old customers – and (drum roll, please!) was awarded “Best of 3D” for the entire show!! I am really honored – my highest award to date, and a nice cash prize to boot. Thank you one and all.

Now we are gearing up for Dallas City Arts which is just around a tiny corner and starts this Friday. I am happily at my bead board today,  making even more new pieces. So those of you that didn’t get out in the SNOW the last time I was in Dallas, come on by and see us. We’ll be indoors at Fair Park, with lots of new goodies. 

  • no Comments

Posted in Art Festivals, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, Sneak Preview Tags: , , ,

My Show Line-up

Written on April 23, 2010


We enjoyed our recent show in Lubbock, Texas. It came and went so quickly I didn’t even write a post about it. Now Fayetteville Art Walk is in the near future (May 1st & 2nd). and ….Dallas City Arts will be the weekend after that, on May 7th, 8th and 9th. Whew! Am I busy?

So all I have time for is a copy of the City Arts e-mail reminder.  If you make it to any of my shows, please introduce yourself.

  • no Comments

Posted in Art Festivals, Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art Tags: , , ,

Artwalk Fayetteville, Texas

Written on April 13, 2010


Fayetteville Texas Artwalk 2010

  • no Comments

Posted in Art Festivals, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art Tags: , ,

Spring in Round Top

Written on April 5, 2010


Yellow Wildflowers

Texas Bluebonnets

Bradford Pear Tree Blossoms

  • 2 Comments

Kella: Thanks for sharing your spring pictures, they gladden the heart :)

Karen Gill: Hi, I came across your blog address on the ArtBead Challenge Flickr page. I liked your work, so I came over here and found these fabulous spring pics of my Texas. I'm a native Texan, temporarily in Florida, and I surely have missed the Texas spring this year! I've enjoyed your photos! Blessings!

Posted in Inspiration, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog Tags: ,



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